through it, so that the world may rest from him.
If it be so, farewell.
VAN HELSING.
_Dr. Seward s Diary._
_28 September._--It is wonderful what a good night s sleep will do for
one. Yesterday I was almost willing to accept Van Helsing s monstrous
ideas; but now they seem to start out lurid before me as outrages on
common sense. I have no doubt that he believes it all. I wonder if his
mind can have become in any way unhinged. Surely there must be _some_
rational explanation of all these mysterious things. Is it possible that
the Professor can have done it himself? He is so abnormally clever that
if he went off his head he would carry out his intent with regard to
some fixed idea in a wonderful way. I am loath to think it, and indeed
it would be almost as great a marvel as the other to find that Van
Helsing was mad; but anyhow I shall watch him carefully. I may get some
light on the mystery.
* * * * *
_29 September, morning._.... Last night, at a little before ten o clock,
Arthur and Quincey came into Van Helsing s room; he told us all that he
wanted us to do, but especially addressing himself to Arthur, as if all
our wills were centred in his. He began by saying that he hoped we would
all come with him too, for, he said, there is a grave duty to be done
there. You were doubtless surprised at my letter? This query was
directly addressed to Lord Godalming.
I was. It rather upset me for a bit. There has been so much trouble
around my house of late that I could do without any more. I have been
curious, too, as to what you mean. Quincey and I talked it over; but the
more we talked, the more puzzled we got, till now I can say for myself
that I m about up a tree as to any meaning about anything.
Me too, said Quincey Morris laconically.
208